Mary Patricia Phelps

Mary Patricia “Pat” Phelps, 79, of Meadows Place, Texas, passed away on September 25, 2025. A devoted mother, sister, and friend, Pat will be remembered for her sharp wit, generous heart, and unwavering loyalty to those she loved. Born on September 30, 1945, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Pat was the daughter of Ralph Clinton Hilburn and Mary Eileen Hilburn, both of whom preceded her in death. She married the love of her life, Lawrence “Larry” Michael Phelps, and together they shared more than 40 years of marriage before his passing.

Pat built a distinguished 30-year career as a legal secretary with Shell Oil. She was an active member of the Houston Association of Legal Professionals (HALP), where she twice served as local chapter president, mentoring colleagues and elevating the profession she cared about deeply.

Affectionately known as “Pom Mom,” Pat adored her Pomeranians and treated each one like family. She was an avid traveler with a deep appreciation for European history and delighted in visiting historic landmarks across the United States and abroad. A devoted collector of Swarovski crystal and a lifelong reader, Pat found beauty, humor, and meaning in the details—traits mirrored in her famously meticulous calendars of birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions. Pat’s greatest pride was her son, Brian. She had a natural gift with babies and young children, a ready laugh, and a steadfast spirit that made her a source of comfort and support to many. Pat is survived by her son, Brian Gregory Phelps; her sister, Joyce Anne Daniels; and her brother, James Robert Hilburn. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Larry. A Funeral Mass will be held at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Houston on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association.